I've lost count how many times I've acquired a 1911 only to get rid of it later. It's complicated relative to modern day pistols and, justified or not, has a reputation of not being very reliable. But, something about it just is attractive like no other pistols. Maybe it's the history, and maybe it's just a beautiful piece of engineering.

So, here I go again with the 1911. Wasn't even actively searching for one. Just happened to see a bunch of beautiful old 1911s from the Colt Archives Collection up for sale, some very scarce, some with serial number 1. Folks were furiously chasing after those, leaving this lowly stainless Gold Cup National Match for me. I put in a bid, fully expecting not to win. But, WTH, I ended up with it.

The gun is all original, complete with everything. Man, it was clean but bone dry. Probably hasn't been shot for decades. The slide was almost impossible to rack. But, after field stripping, cleaning, and lubing it, it is now smooth sailing. Based on the documentations, it appears that the gun was made in 1986 and placed in the Archives Collection at that same time. It was subsequently auctioned off in 1996.

Will this be shot? You bet. In the meantime, enjoy some pics.

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7/24/19 - 1st RANGE REPORT - Getting acquainted with the gun.
Before range time, I measured the trigger pull weight with my Lyman digital trigger scale, and it averaged ~ 4.5 lbs of five pulls. Quite a gritty travel, then a clean break. Not what I would call great.

Ammo: 150 rds total (100 rds PMC Bronze 230 FMJ, 25 rds Win. Ranger Bonded 230 JHP, 25 rds Win. Ranger-T 230 +P JHP)

Range time:
The gun does not like the Winchester Ranger T at all, as it rendered it into a single shot pistol. 21 out of 25 rounds, it completely failed to chamber the next round, after the initial chambered round were spent and extracted. Funny thing, before going to the range, I somehow had a hunch that the Ranger T was going to be problem. And, it came to pass. There was no such problem with the other 2 ammo. Do you guys think the +P was the problem? Because chambering the top round by releasing the slide was no problem at all.

And, the strangest thing is with the trigger. At home, it does feel like 4.5 lbs. But, with actual shooting, it felt like I was pulling on a 20-lb trigger. I was really struggling. So, the results are not that great. Probably could have done better with a better trigger. But, hey, a sub-par range day sure beats a day at the office.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 12131,

That is pretty cool!

Glad you got it to share and show off. Enjoy shooting it, I'l looking forward to your range pictures.

Congratulations! Sure looks purdy

I think I've related this, before, so I'll keep it short. I avoided the .45 ACP, and 1911s in particular, ever since about forever. Lo and behold: Turns out I shoot better with 1911s in .45 ACP than anything else I've ever shot. Go figure.

I'm now up to two, and planning on a third, in 10mm.

Very nice.
I have a blue Series 70 Gold Cup National Match that I bought used around 1975. It has had thousands and thousands of rounds through it. Currently use it for USPSA single stack competition.
Your will enjoy yours.

PC

quote:

If I were going to have only one 1911, might as well get a Colt.

Agree completely, I have one, a standard Colt O1991 (blued basic 1911). Only a range gun, comes out 1-2 times a year for fun.

She's sexy Q. Nice addition to the collection. I'm sure there will be a range report.

Nice gun, lame letter. Revolver? Never to be loaded?

That is a keeper for sure. Always appreciated the Gold Cups.

I agree, just seeing that rampant pony on the slide is a turn on.

I bought a brand new blued Colt Gold Cup National Match Series '70 about three years ago. It is an accurate gun despite having slide rattle.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
...leaving this lowly stainless Gold Cup National Match for me.

Nice. Very nice. That dog will hunt.

My first semi-auto pistol is a Colt Delta Elite 10mm, built in the 1980s. I got it for hiking in griz country. Decent enough pistol, but it was made a boat load better by GrayGuns. Bruce & crew turned the Delta into competition accuracy, without sacrificing reliability.

To be honest, my more modern and more expensive 1911s are better in virtually every way than my Colt Delta. Kimber, Brown, and Wilson -- stunning handguns. I keep thinking about a 2011 Nighthawk, but so far I have higher priorities.

quote:

Originally posted by GaryBF:
Nice gun, lame letter. Revolver? Never to be loaded?

All of them that were in this auction were like that. Obviously, pre-printed form letter that they just filled in the specific info of each gun.

And, pretty sure the "never to be loaded" is legalese stuff, denying any responsibility if the gun happened to kaboom on you. It's extreme, I know, but it's kind of similar to the warning, "This is a used gun. You should have a qualified gunsmith check to ensure it functions properly".

She's a beauty. Nice score.
I'm about the same with 1911's, I love them and shoot them better than anything else but I always sell them off.

Very nice.

Being an '86 baby, myself, something like this would make for a nice 'birth year' piece.

Great score with an interesting history!!! Enjoy!

I only owe two, but one of them is a co I only own two, but one of them is a Colt XSE Commander.

Sure but make mine a series 70

It's a good looking gun. I'm very interested to see how it shoots and love your postings,pictures and targets of the 228 you did.

Very nice!

Very nice. Not my favorite pistol, but I do like the 1911. I have two, both Colts, including a 70 Series Gold Cup worked over by King's Gun Works. The other is a Series 80 Govt Model that's also had a bit of work done.

If I were going to buy a 1911 now, I'd probably lean towards the reissue Series 70 Colt Govt Model.

What a beautiful Colt, thanks for sharing the pics.

I have a Wilson Combat Elite Professional in .38 Super.

That said, I have a 70's Combat Commander chambered for .38 Super at the Gunsmith right now, getting a Kart barrel.

Yes, there is something special about a Colt 1911, IMO.